Luxembourg, Rhineland-Palatinate sign cross-border training deal

liz mikos—13.03.2018

Apprentices now able to complete practical training in one country, school education in another

Montabaur, Germany (photo: Shutterstock)

Luxembourg and Rhineland-Palatinate have signed a bilateral agreement on cross-border vocational training, creating educational and employment opportunities for apprentices on both sides of the border.

Luxembourg's prime minister Xavier Bettel, minister of employment Nicolas Schmit, minister of education Claude Meisch and prime minister of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate Malu Dreyer met in Senningen, Luxembourg, to sign the accord.

"This agreement," Bettel said, "is another piece of the puzzle that defines our neighbourly cooperation – and this in the particularly important area of vocational training.

"Both countries hereby promote the attractiveness of dual education and contribute to the further integration of the cross-border labour market in the Greater Region."

Meisch said the accord would offer young people in both countries "new perspectives", with apprentices now being able to complete their practical training in one country and school education in another.

At present, about 200 apprentices are taking this opportunity.

Other topics on the cross-border agenda included the nuclear power plant in Cattenom, France, and public transportation.

Bettel emphasised that Luxembourg was in favour of shutting down the nuclear power plant, while he also reiterated his concerns about Germany's plans to put in place a road toll on commuters.